Cards ready to see what Goldschmidt brings

Goldy on his new club: 'It's a really talented team. I'm happy to be part of it.'

By
Glenn Sattell

February 18, 2019

JUPITER, Fla. -- It may be a new team and a new year, but that's really all that's changed for Paul Goldschmidt.The six-time All-Star finished his first day of Spring Training at the Cardinals' camp by meeting with the media and explaining that his new uniform wouldn't change his approach

JUPITER, Fla. -- It may be a new team and a new year, but that's really all that's changed for Paul Goldschmidt.The six-time All-Star finished his first day of Spring Training at the Cardinals' camp by meeting with the media and explaining that his new uniform wouldn't change his approach to the game."It was fun to get out there with the guys," said the 31-year-old slugging first baseman, who is looking forward to picking the brain of the likes of veteran catcher Yadier Molina. "I have so much respect for him. He knows this division. He knows the guys on this team. He's got so much experience. He will help me, along with the other guys on the team, to learn this division as quickly as possible.":: Spring Training coverage presented by Camping World ::Goldschmidt said he appreciates the business-like attitude of the Cardinals organization. He's been that kind of player throughout his career, and that could make for a good fit."We'll find out," Goldschmidt said. "You can't predict the future. I just try to prepare, do the best to my ability, work hard and just try to go out there and contribute to this team, whatever they need me to do."Goldschmidt carries that attitude with him regardless of whether he's in the middle of a season in Arizona or his first day of Spring Training with the Cardinals."It doesn't really change. You just try to prepare each day and get better and get ready for Spring Training and Opening Day," he said. "Once you get on the field, it's all the same. It's still baseball. Everyone wants to know about the changes. You show up and there's a locker room. Every year, every team is different."In Arizona, maybe I was [settled] there, but then there's a whole new group of guys, new front office, new coaching staff. So it's not as big of a change as you think. It's another year and you keep preparing."Traded from Arizona to the Cards on Dec. 5 for catcher Carson Kelly, right-handed pitcher Luke Weaver, second baseman Andy Young and future considerations, Goldschmidt said he is looking forward to bonding with the Cardinals fans."There's a ton of support for the Cardinals organization, for the players there," he said. "They love the team, watch on TV. There are high expectations, and rightfully so. Hopefully, we can find a way to win a lot of games."In eight seasons with the D-backs, Goldschmidt hit .297, averaging 26 homers and 89 RBIs over that span. An eighth-round pick by Arizona in the 2009 MLB Draft, Goldschmidt is signed through this season with St. Louis, and he hopes it's another productive year."This organization has a great history of winning world championships," he said. "It's a really talented team. I'm happy to be part of it."Goldschmidt said he's already building a nice working relationship with manager Mike Shildt."Yeah, he's stayed in touch with me, made sure I got down here safely," Goldschmidt said. "He's a great communicator, and I'm excited to get to know him better."Shildt, for his part, said he is excited to work with a true professional in the game."The thing we appreciate about Paul is the residual benefit to his offense ... [and] to his defense, with a little more stabilization at first base, which allows [Matt Carpenter] to be in a more anchored spot at third. It creates clarity for everybody," Shildt said. "He's a three-time Gold Glove [Award] winner. That improves our defense. He's clearly a good baserunner."• Shildt excited for first camp as Cardinals skipperIn addition to his three Gold Glove Awards, Goldschmidt is also a four-time Silver Slugger, including his first one in 2013, a season in which he led the National League with 36 homers and 125 RBIs.It's his attention to detail and appreciation for wanting to be a complete player that has initially caught the attention of the Cardinals' manager."He's come in, [and] he's been unbelievably engaging, thoughtful, proactive," Shildt said. "He's really dedicated to what we're doing and how we're doing it. He's exceeded expectations already before he's even gotten on the field."